In this turbulent moment of public attention to sexual assault and harassment, we will probe rabbinic sources that speak to our questions, fears and hopes. When approached with sensitivity and creativity, how can our tradition help us envision the meaning of leadership, the role of community and the importance of theology in confronting these realities?

Part 1: The Power of Definition: Assault, Coercion and Consent in Jewish Law

We will study legal source from the Bible that address the importance and complexity of defining sexual consent. What is the role of leadership and community in creating a "culture of consent?" Recorded live at Hadar on January 23, 2018.

Part 2: Victim, Survivor, Advocate? Towards a Redemptive Narrative

We will focus on rabbinic stories, theological and poetic texts to deepen and complicate Jewish legal text on sexual assault. What role can Jewish text play in a path toward healing? Recorded live at Hadar on January 30, 2018.

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Source Sheet

The Power of Definition: Assault, Coercion, and Consent in Jewish Law (audio/mpeg, 80.58MB)

The Power of Definition: Assault, Coercion, and Consent in Jewish Law (audio/mpeg, 80.58MB)